Alcoa

Alcoa & Asbestos Exposure

Founded in 1886 as the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, Alcoa was the first large-scale aluminum producer in the world. The company operated in 11 countries and remains an international leader in aluminum production today.

The melting process for aluminum requires extremely high heat. Alcoa, like other aluminum manufacturers, relied on asbestos throughout its facilities due to its durability and resistance to heat and fire. Despite well-supported court documentation showing the company was aware of the risks of asbestos use as early as the 1940s, Alcoa continued to use it until the 1980s.

Although Alcoa did not manufacture asbestos products, its extensive use of the mineral in its facilities, which continued long after company executives were aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure, thoughtlessly endangered thousands of workers and their family members. It also caused significant environmental damage in multiple states.

Dangers of Asbestos-Related Diseases

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in manufacturing throughout the 20th century due to its non-conductivity, durability, and resistance to heat, fire, and chemical corrosion. Unfortunately, it’s also highly hazardous and carcinogenic.

There are six varieties of asbestos that all share a similar structure and properties, including a tendency to break down into thin, microscopic fibers that can easily become airborne. When these microscopic particles are inhaled or ingested, they can irritate body tissue, causing scarring and DNA changes that can lead to serious illnesses decades later.

Asbestos-related illnesses include:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Asbestosis
• Pleural thickening
• Pleural plaques
• Pleural effusions
• Other forms of cancer

Mesothelioma is a rare, typically terminal cancer that targets the protective lining of certain organs. Treatment is exceptionally expensive, often costing patients an estimated $400,000 annually out-of-pocket. This immense financial burden frequently makes necessary treatment unattainable for many victims and their families without some form of financial assistance.

Financial Compensation from Alcoa

Alcoa has never filed for bankruptcy and has not established an asbestos trust fund through which victims can apply for financial relief. Victims of Alcoa asbestos exposure must seek compensation through a legal claim.

There are two primary pathways by which victims and family members can pursue compensation from Alcoa:

• Personal injury lawsuit: Allows living victims of asbestos exposure to seek compensation for their losses.
• Wrongful death lawsuit: Allows the dependents or family members of deceased asbestos exposure victims to recover damages for the loss of their loved one.

Asbestos exposure victims who qualify for compensation from Alcoa often have the right to pursue claims against other asbestos companies as well. This is because individuals in certain jobs or industries were frequently exposed to asbestos from multiple sources.

According to Mealey’s Litigation Report, the average asbestos lawsuit names 65 defendants. Your asbestos attorney can assist you in identifying all companies responsible for your asbestos exposure. Holding multiple companies accountable by pursuing compensation from each one can help to maximize your overall compensation.

Victims may also qualify for other forms of financial assistance, including:

• Benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Asbestos trust funds
• Workers’ compensation
• Treatment grants

Asbestos Lawsuits Against Alcoa

As a global aluminum producer, Alcoa has a massive legal team dedicated to protecting its interests. Victims of Alcoa asbestos exposure need the support of an asbestos litigation specialist to combat the company’s resources. 

However, some victims have successfully brought lawsuits against Alcoa, and asbestos litigation remains a significant concern for the company.

Amanda Satterfield

The family of Amanda Satterfield filed suit against Alcoa after she died of malignant mesothelioma at just 25 years old. Her father worked at an Alcoa Aluminum plant for much of her early life, exposing her to secondhand asbestos.

In their wrongful death lawsuit, her family sought $10 million in compensatory damages and $10 million in punitive damages. Despite a long series of appeals, the Tennessee Supreme Court eventually sided with the family.

Barbara Behringer

Barbara Behringer and her husband sued Alcoa for secondhand asbestos exposure after she developed mesothelioma from asbestos dust brought home on her husband’s work clothes. The jury initially awarded them over $15 million in damages, but the verdict was later overturned. 

John Kalahar

John Kalahar developed mesothelioma after working multiple jobs at an Alcoa smelting plant in Washington. Mr. Kalahar and his wife filed suit against Alcoa and others, alleging that they had willfully misrepresented or concealed the dangers of asbestos. 

Unfortunately, the court granted summary judgment in Alcoa’s favor because the evidence provided by the Kalahars did not meet the legal threshold for “intentional injury.”

Jeffery Cockrum

Jeffery Cockrum worked for Alcoa for decades, where he was repeatedly exposed to asbestos without any protective gear. He filed suit after developing mesothelioma, but unfortunately, the court ultimately decided that Alcoa did not have actual knowledge that his injury was sure to occur, and he lost his case. 

Charles Beverage

After Charles Beverage died of malignant mesothelioma stemming from workplace asbestos exposure at Alcoa’s Iowa facility, his family filed a wrongful death lawsuit. While the district court initially granted summary judgment in favor of Alcoa, the Iowa Supreme Court reversed this ruling, allowing the case to proceed.

Asbestos-Containing Products Used at Alcoa

Alcoa never manufactured or sold products containing asbestos. However, due to the high-heat nature of aluminum smelting and production, the company used asbestos throughout its facilities. Court documents reveal that, in the 1950s and 1960s, each Alcoa smelting pot contained over 900 pounds of asbestos.  

Asbestos-containing products used at Alcoa facilities include:

• ​​Boiler insulation
• Fireproof clothing
• Flanges
• Furnace lining
• Gaskets
• Packing
• Pipe insulation
• Protective gear
• Smelting pots
• Valves

Occupations At-Risk

Alcoa’s use of asbestos in its plants, smelters, and refineries was so widespread and extensive that anyone working in these facilities, even those not directly involved with asbestos-containing components, was likely exposed. 

High-risk occupations include:

• Aluminum workers
• Casting pit operators
• CNC operators
• Electricians
• Engineers
• Forklift operators
• Foundry workers
• Furnace operators
• Insulators
• Machine operators
• Maintenance workers
• Masons
• Metal workers
• Millwrights
• Molders
• Plumbers and pipefitters
• Production workers
• Quality control specialists
• Sales representatives
• Smelters
• Warehouse workers
• Welders

Get Help Today 

A diagnosis of an asbestos-related illness often marks the start of a devastating physical, emotional, and financial journey. Many patients and their families are quickly overwhelmed by medical bills, treatment expenses, and the strain of lost income.

Legal action can offer vital financial relief, yet some victims hesitate due to fears about the cost or complexity of filing a claim. The Mesothelioma Fund and our trusted legal partners at Meirowitz & Wasserberg are here to guide you through every step, making the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

With extensive experience, robust resources, and an unwavering commitment to their clients, the Meirowitz & Wasserberg team is equipped to pursue compensation and justice on your behalf.

Connect with a team member today at no cost to learn more about your eligibility and the potential value of your case.

Written & Legally Reviewed By

Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. Attorney and On-Site Legal Advocate

Daniel Wasserberg was a New York metropolitan area “Super Lawyer Rising Star” from 2013 to 2018 (attorneys under age 40), and a Super Lawyer in 2019. In 2017, Daniel was named a “Top 100 Civil Litigator” by the National Trial Lawyers organization. This recognition is rarely awarded to attorneys under the age of 40. Daniel is proud to call himself a Trial Lawyer, and is often asked to speak at gatherings of the nation’s leading attorneys, from both sides of the bar.

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